2004 Lincoln Town Car Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 202

Driving Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury. TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 2,000 miles (3,200 km). Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine, transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components carefully after towing. Your loaded trailer should weigh no more than 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Do not exceed the GVWR specified on the certification label. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury. The GCW of your vehicle and trailer should not exceed 6,600 lbs. (2,993 kg). Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance. Hitches Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Safety chains Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives to you. Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. Trailer brakes Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations. 202 REVIEW COPY 2004 Town Car (tow), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002), Market: USA_English (fus)